Clove Remedies

A clove is the dried flower bud of the clove tree. It is also known by its proper classification Syzygium aromaticum. The clove is a thick evergreen tree that grows from 15 to 40 feet high. It has pyramid-shaped branches. While the clove tree is a native to the Spice Islands, it's now grown all over the world. The aromatic dried fruit of this tree has many uses beyond the spice cabinet. The clove has been used for scenting soaps and lotions for centuries. Today, many herbalists use cloves as natural remedies for various ailments.

Toothaches

• If you need a quick pain reliever while waiting to see the dentist, consider using cloves. Whole cloves, ground cloves and clove oil can provide relief. If it's not too painful, suck on a whole clove. Place it as near to the tooth as you can without causing extra pain. Ground cloves can be used making a sachet from a tea bag. Fill an empty tea bag with the ground mixture and dampen it slightly. Place the sachet on your toothache. Or dab a bit of clove oil on your finger and rub it gently on your toothache area. Cloves are natural painkillers, but they take a few minutes to work. Be careful about giving children cloves to suck on. They are choking hazards for small children.

Skin Conditions

• The essential oil found in cloves can bring relief for many skin conditions. Cloves are a natural antiseptic with astringent properties. Because of this, clove oil is perfect for the treatment of acne. Apply oil with clean hands to breakout areas for relief. Don't apply too often because excessive use can burn your skin. Painful breakouts can find relief with clove because of the herb's numbing properties. Fungus in the nails can also be treated with clove oil. Mix some of the essential clove oil with a carrier oil, like mineral oil for using as a topical solution.

Digestive Problems

• People who suffer digestive problems can find relief by using cloves. The clove is believed to relax the muscle lining in the body's digestive tract. This action eases reflux activity and other digestive problems. Clove tea is often recommended by herbalists to treat people who suffer from bloating from gas, nausea and diarrhea. A few drops of clove oil can be added to a cup of tea for quick stomach relief. You should be careful to purchase essential clove oil and not perfume oil. Perfume oil will only make you smell better and is not safe to ingest. Essential clove oil is safe in small amounts but should be used only as needed.